By SEMA News Editors
With a nationwide technician shortage threatening key sectors from transportation to energy, one nonprofit is turning the spotlight toward the young men and women stepping up to keep America running.
TechForce Foundation and the SEMA Show announce the 2025 Techs Rock Awards public vote, inviting Americans to help crown the top student and working technicians in the country. Voting is open now through October 15 at TechForce.org/Vote.
"This vote is about more than prizes," said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. "It's about showing the next generation of techs that the country is behind them. We talk a lot about the technician shortage, and this is a chance to support the solution."
Two Grand Prize Winners--one aspiring student technician and one working professional technician--will be chosen by public vote and honored live at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 5, the largest automotive event in the United States.
"Part of the future of the automotive aftermarket depends on the dedication and passion of today's technical students," said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. "It's an honor to celebrate these emerging technicians through our collaboration with the Techs Rock Awards and inspire them to continue moving the industry forward."
A national panel of judges--including ChrisFix, YouTube's most-followed automotive DIY expert; Melissa Scoles, president and CEO, QA1 Precision Products, Inc.; Emily Reeves, YouTube personality; Charles "Humble Mechanic" Sanville; Rick Love, president of Vintage Air; Myles Kovacs, co-founder and CEO of TIS and Dropstars Wheels; and Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy--selected 12 category winners from hundreds of nominations submitted. Each finalist has already earned more than $3,000 in prizes and now competes for a $15,000-plus grand prize package that includes Carlyle tools, travel, and national recognition.
NATIONAL FINALISTS
Future Techs (Students)
- Automotive amd Motorsports -- Marcello Dean, McPherson College (KS)
- Diesel -- Nathaneal Watkins, Big Sandy Community and Technical College (KY)
- Collision, Restoration and Welding -- William Morrison, Northwood University (MI)
- Aviation, Motorcycle and Marine -- Sabrina Marrero, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Hasbrouck Heights Campus (NJ)
- Emerging Technologies -- Caleb Marc, Lincoln Technical Institute, Union Campus (NJ)
- HVAC, Home and Buildings -- Dylan Matjazic, Universal Technical Institute, Canton Campus (MI)
Working Techs (Professionals)
- Automotive and Motorsports -- David Borer, Reineke Family Dealerships (OH)
- Diesel -- Cristian Trasandes, San Diego Miramar College (CA)
- Collision, Restoration and Welding -- Jose Caballero-Vallejo, Team Toyota (PA)
- Aviation, Motorcycle and Marine -- Mia Jackson, Hinckley Yachts Chesapeake (MD)
- Emerging Technologies -- Trevor Burgin, Pinnacle Career Institute (MO)
- HVAC, Home and Buildings -- Bryan Baker, Cool Breeze Heating & Air (FL)
The Techs Rock Awards were created to celebrate students and working techs who go above and beyond, not just in technical skill, but in character, leadership, and drive. Since its inception in 2018, the program has awarded 77 students and working techs. It's one of many TechForce initiatives focused on building respect and visibility for high-tech, hands-on careers.
